FTC Proposes Changes to Fuel Rating Rule

The Federal Trade Commission is proposing changes to its Fuel Rating Rule, which determines the fuel rating that appears on fuel pump labels, how octane levels are calculated, and helps to inform consumers about proper fuel for their vehicles.

In 2009, the FTC began a review of the “Rule for Automobile Fuel Ratings, Certification, and Posting” as part of its systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides. The Commission sought comments on proposed revisions to the Rule regarding ethanol blends. In 2011, after reviewing the comments received, the agency issued final amendments governing other issues and deferred consideration of ethanol blend labeling to consider an Environmental Protection Agency decision regarding the use of certain ethanol blends in certain vehicles.

The FTC is now proposing to revise rating, certification and labeling requirements for blends of gasoline with more than 10 percent ethanol, and a new octane rating method that would lower compliance costs.

The Commission vote approving the Federal Register notice was 4-0. It is available on the FTC’s website and as a link to this press release and will be published in the Federal Register soon. Instructions for filing comments appear in the Federal Register notice. Comments must be received by June 2, 2014. All comments received will be posted at www.ftc.gov/policy/public-comments. (FTC File No. R711008; the staff contact is Miriam Lederer, Division of Enforcement, 202-326-2975)

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